First of all, my congratulations to you and your crew for your timely intervention on Vintaki. We have been approached by Consul Solat with extremely favourable trade agreements, and are in the process of hammering out the deal which should put Starfleet shipyards back to work full time. I'm sure that the Beta Antares CO will have a few bottles of something for you the next time you're there.

In the meantime; The M.R. Herald, one of the most advanced mining, manufacturing and hauling vessels the Federation possesses, will be leaving Starbase 375 shortly to survey a recently discovered asteroid belt that initial scans showed promising results from. The belt is located in non-aligned space, just outside Cardassian territory, and while the Union has been quiet since the Dominion War we are fully expecting them to poke their noses in if they see us sniffing around. You're to escort Mister Herald as a show of force, plant Federation claim beacons at the system perimeter and ensure that if the Cardassians do come knocking then they are turned away with the minimum of fuss.

The Herald is outfitted with the latest QSD, as time is of the essence -we anticipate no more than a few hours to reach your destination. Once she has completed her survey, escort her back to Starbase 47 - A relief squadron will have been put together in that time to support the Herald in her duties, and relieve the Hyperion for more pressing matters.

The Hyperion has been ordered to escort and assist the M.R. Herald to a newly discovered asteroid field in a non-aligned sector close to Cardassian territory. While Starfleet does not expect that the Cardassian Union will represent a threat to this mining operation, they are undoubtedly going to be watching.

The Hyperion is to deter any rash decisions by any Cardassian Guls, assist with planting Federation beacons at the system perimeter and safeguard the operation.

XO: Commander, liaise with the Mister Herald’s CO and set about our departure from the station. You have the Bridge.

OPS: Get the ship ready for departure and prepare us for slipstream. Have the beacons made ready when they have been transported aboard.

CTO: I expect no fighting from what is left of the Cardassian Union, but this new asteroid field is a target none the less. Keep us ready for a fight.

TAC: See if you can get any up to date reports on Cardassian movements outside their borders.

ENG: Prepare the ship for slipstream and give me a detailed report on all ship’s systems.

SCI: Ensign, I want long range scans when you have them. I know slipstream makes it difficult but I want to know if there are any surprises waiting for us.

CMO: Doctor, I want a full report on Commander Danann’s condition and mental state and whether you recommend she be put back on active duty immediately.

AUX: Cadet, I see your medical files are yet to be transferred over. Please report to Medical for your physical before assuming further duties.

CTO: Joanne, you have the bridge while I talk to the Doctor about our passengers. Keep following the Herald and try to make contact. Find out what it wants. Be ready to blow it up if there is need.TAC: Keep weapons on that ship, I'm not taking any chances.OPS: Analyze the signal and report back when you have answers.CMO: Doctor, I'm on my way to see you. Keep it short and sweet, things are getting... interesting.AUX: Work with OPS and SCI to keep that ship under observation.SCI: Full sensor array on the Herald. Get me any and all scans and report back when you have answers.

XO: Commander, have all stations submit readiness reports. And prepare this ship for battle. Call for reinforcements.

OPS: Mr. Stark, get that thing back on comms!

NAV: Assist Sciences for now.

CTO: Red alert – I want all available hands on duty. Deploy damage control teams…..find me a way to take down that ship without destroying it.

TAC: If this thing is Tkon in origin, we need to figure out how to safely examine it or kill it. Show me what you have on it so far.

CMO: Doctor, work with Science and figure out what this thing is, and how we stop it.

AUX: Cadet, assist Commander Danann and Doctor Rousseau.

I think it’s imperative that we do not let that ship escape. I want options, no matter how drastic. We have a dangerous infectious disease on our hands that could have galactic consequences. I need you all sharp and at your best.